THE EYEWITNESS: Standing in the Shadows of Pakistan’s History

Author: Muhammad Saeed Mehdi

₨4,500.00

SKU:978-969-716-309-0

In this deeply personal and unflinchingly honest memoir, Muhammad Saeed Mehdi takes readers on a journey through the corridors of power, shedding light on the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped Pakistan’s tumultuous history. From the dramatic trial and execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to the seismic political fallout of General Zia ul-Haq’s plane crash, Mehdi was not just a witness—he was there, living and working at the heart of the storm. As a civil servant thrust into pivotal moments of political upheaval, Mehdi’s life offers an insider’s view of military coups, judicial crises, nuclear milestones and the enduring struggle between democracy and dictatorship. His narrative brings to life the human stories behind national headlines: the joy of Benazir Bhutto’s return, the despair of incarceration and the quiet hope that lingers even in the darkest days. Mehdi was both a participant and spectator in history, having played a unique role as a civil servant during pivotal events. The memoir offers enough detail to intrigue without overwhelming. Its emotional and intellectual resonance will appeal to readers interested in politics, history and personal courage.

Category: Biographies/ Memoirs/ Letters

Description

Muhammad Saeed Mehdi received his early education from St Anthony’s School, Lahore, and Cadet College, Hasanabdal. He joined the Government College Lahore, where he remained for six years, completing a master’s in history from the Punjab University. After completing his education, he taught at Abbottabad Public School and the Punjab University before joining the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP), now the Pakistan Administrative Service. His posting as Deputy Commissioner, Rawalpindi, from 1977 onwards placed him in a position to witness history unfold. He saw the appellate process of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s trial in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He was there when the first elected Prime Minister was tragically executed in Rawalpindi Jail. He saw Benazir Bhutto’s return to Pakistan on 10 April 1986, while he was Commissioner of Lahore Division, the removal of Prime Minister Junejo, and was the last person to bid farewell to General Zia ul-Haq before his fateful journey to Bahawalpur on 17 April 1988, when he met his death in an air crash. As Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Saeed Mehdi witnessed the removal of General Jehangir Karamat and the appointment of General Pervez Musharraf as COAS, as well as Musharraf’s retirement and removal. As a consequence, Mehdi was picked up along with the Prime Minister on 12 October 1999 and kept in solitary confinement for forty-five days and incarcerated at the NAB police station for ninety days and at the Landhi Jail, Karachi, and Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, for two years. He was subsequently released on bail by the Supreme Court on 4 October 2001.